After four years of being disbanded, local leaders have teamed up with the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce to reestablish a youth council. This group of middle school and high school students will be the voice of Owensboro’s youth and will provide City and County leaders with the hardships that hinder the younger generation and the hopes they have for their City’s future.
Owensboro Public Schools board member Michael Johnson said those in the My Brother’s Keeper nonprofit discussed reimplementation of a youth council with local leaders, and the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce decided to spearhead the program.
“They saw the benefit in doing this,” Johnson said of the Chamber. “We’ve been pushing this since June. When the youth council was dismantled four years ago, it took a voice from the youth, and we’re giving it back to them.”
Johnson said his vision for Greater Owensboro Chamber Youth Council is diversity, that both inner-city and county students can come together to be the faces and spokespersons for Owensboro’s youth. Members of the youth council will work to develop leadership skills and be involved in many aspects of the community.
“The youth have great ideas, and this gives them a chance to be heard,” he said. “They can tell [City and County leaders] what the youth need, what they’re dealing with. The Chamber saw the opportunity to develop and nurture our youth, and this will strengthen the base for economic development in Owensboro.”
The youth of Owensboro’s community will determine the City’s future economic development and innovation, and Johnson said My Brother’s Keeper hopes the Chamber can give this group opportunities, responsibilities and assignments that will better Owensboro.
The Greater Owensboro Chamber Youth Council will also hold youth summits that Johnson said he’s very excited about. These summits will include guest speakers, team building exercises and discussion groups focused on things like teen dating violence and life after high school.
Johnson is looking at an early January implementation for the youth council. Those who are interested will be able to apply then, but in the meantime, anyone interested can contact Johnson at 270-231-6520 or Tim Collier at 270-231-9090. Those interested can also contact the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce.
“We see the vision of this — there’s so much growth and potential,” Johnson said. “The youth will be able to bring ideas to the City and have a seat at the table.”
